An Art Deco sapphire and diamond bracelet of braided design, in platinum. J.E. Caldwell, #L240. Atw diamonds 5.00 cts, sapphires 6.00 cts.

J.E. Caldwell & Co. was founded by James Emmott Caldwell, a trained silversmith and watchmaker who worked for a period in New York City before establishing his own shop in Philadelphia in 1839. The firm became known as J.E. Caldwell & Co. in 1848 and grew into one of Philadelphia’s leading luxury retailers, offering fine jewelry, watches, silver, clocks, and objets d’art to a prominent American clientele.

Caldwell was admired for its silver and timepieces, including commissions for American naval vessels, but its lasting reputation rests in the realm of fine jewelry. The house produced exceptional Art Nouveau, Edwardian, and Art Deco jewels, often distinguished by refined platinum work, finely chased surfaces, unusual gemstones, floral and foliate motifs, enamel accents, and crisp geometric design.

Although its historic Chestnut Street flagship closed in 2003, J.E. Caldwell jewels remain highly collectible as examples of American jewelry design at its most elegant and technically accomplished.